All Of It: Empower The Village's Upcoming Juneteenth Art Show

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: I.O. Sanderson Wilson, Founder & CEO of Empower the Village
Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction to Empower the Village

In the latest episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the spotlight shines on Empower the Village, a data-driven nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the Black community through initiatives centered on prosperity, peace, and power. Joining Stewart is I.O. Sanderson Wilson, Founder and CEO of Empower the Village, who provides an in-depth look into the organization's mission and its upcoming events.

Mission and Vision

Alison Stewart initiates the conversation by delving into the core mission of Empower the Village.

"Empower the Village is a data-driven nonprofit, and we are focused on restoring prosperity, peace, and power to the Black community."
— I.O. Sanderson Wilson [00:41]

Wilson elaborates on the significance of the organization's name, drawing inspiration from the adage "it takes a village."

"We all hear the, you know, the adage, it takes a village. Everyone says it all the time, but it truly does. Any success that I've had or people that I know have had in life, it took a village coming together who cared about a similar thing."
— Wilson [00:53]

The emphasis is on community collaboration, highlighting that collective effort is essential for meaningful progress.

Identifying and Addressing Community Needs

Stewart probes further into the challenges Empower the Village aims to tackle through its initiatives.

"I spent a lot of time practicing law for about 20 years and serving as a volunteer with many organizations. And I always found that people had the heart to solve problems, but they didn't always have the resources or the means to do so."
— Wilson [01:21]

Recognizing the gap between intent and resources, Wilson shares how a comprehensive listening tour informed the nonprofit's strategic pillars: prosperity, peace, and power. These pillars underscore the importance of economic empowerment and community wellness as foundations for success and happiness within the Black community.

A Data-Driven Approach to Empowerment

When questioned about the "data-driven" aspect of their work, Wilson provides clarity on how data informs their strategies.

"We did a lot of research to make sure that we focused our efforts in the geographies where the community we served were, but also what were the solutions."
— Wilson [02:09]

Key insights from their research include the pivotal role of small businesses as engines of wealth in America. By supporting Black-owned businesses, Empower the Village aims to foster economic growth and community prosperity.

Notable initiatives discussed include:

• Black Friday Every Friday: Encouraging support for Black-owned businesses by designating every Friday as Black Friday, aligning with the fact that one out of seven Americans is Black.

"One out of seven Americans is Black. So at least one of seven days, we try to get people to focus on supporting a Black-owned business."
— Wilson [02:27]

Additionally, recognizing that approximately 90% of the Black population resides in 25 states, the organization strategically concentrates its efforts in these areas to maximize impact.

Highlighting the Juneteenth Art Show

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Empower the Village's fifth annual art show, slated for June 21st and 22nd at the Montclair Art Museum.

"If you want to look at, you know, peace, prosperity and power, the arts have it all."
— Wilson [03:34]

Wilson underscores the multifaceted role of the arts in embodying the nonprofit's strategic pillars. The art show serves as a platform to bring peace into the world, support artists' prosperity, and preserve culture through artistic expression. The timing of the event aligns with Juneteenth, recently declared a federal holiday, reinforcing the intersection of art, history, and community empowerment.

Reflecting on the challenges of 2020, including the pandemic and its impact on artists, Wilson emphasizes the importance of providing a resilient platform for artists to showcase their work.

"We don't believe in starving artists. We want them to prosper."
— Wilson [03:34]

Featuring Talented Artists

The art show boasts participation from a diverse array of talented artists, both local and national. Some notable contributors include:

• Ben Jones: A recurring artist from New Jersey who generously donates pieces annually.
• Mason Archie: An exceptional oil painter based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Danielle Scott: An emerging local artist gaining prominence.
• Emmett Wigglesworth, Brian Collier, Kyle Adams: Other notable artists contributing to the diverse collection.

Wilson also fondly recalls Bisa Butler, a prominent artist who was part of the show's early years but is not participating this year.

"Bisa Butler was one of the first artists in a show that I curated almost 20 years ago. Yeah. So she's not in the show this year, unfortunately."
— Wilson [05:34]

How to Engage and Participate

For those interested in attending the art show or learning more about Empower the Village's initiatives, Wilson provides essential information on accessing resources and staying connected.

"Please go to empowerthevillage.org that's our website. And you can go to the events page or you can follow us on Instagram @empoweretv. And of course, you know, we're on LinkedIn, so Empower the Village."
— Wilson [05:42]

He reiterates the details of the upcoming art show:

"Our 5th Annual Art Show, happening June 21st and 22nd."
— Wilson [06:01]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with gratitude expressed to Wilson for shedding light on Empower the Village's impactful work and the significance of the Juneteenth Art Show. Listeners are encouraged to support the event and engage with the nonprofit's ongoing efforts to empower the Black community through culture, economic support, and community wellness.

For more information:
Visit empowerthevillage.org
Follow on Instagram: @empoweretv
Connect on LinkedIn: Empower the Village